Strategic Equality Review Project (2015 - 2016)

Background

In February 2015 a meeting was convened and chaired by the Vice Master. It was agreed that there was a need for a review of the institutional position of the Equalities Committee and an overall audit of equality and diversity at Birkbeck.

Strategic Equality Review Group

The Strategic Review Working Group (SERG) has been set up to undertake a review of equality and diversity; explore how to effectively consolidate and embed equality into the culture of the College and to strengthen reporting and accountability lines across the College Governance structure. SERG has been sponsored by the Vice Master, Professor Matt Innes and will be representative of key College staff to ensure full engagement at the highest level. It will be supported by Staff and Student sub-groups and will run for a year.

SERG’s key objectives are to:

Audit and review of equality and diversity at Birkbeck, consolidate and streamline equality and diversity;

Identify how the College can effectively celebrate equality and diversity and recognise how it underpins the achievements of its strategic goals;

Review and clarify organisational roles and responsibilities in terms of management of diversity in the College;

Align equality and diversity objectives with the College’s mission, vision and values;

Review to inform on institutional structures and accountability;

Report on agreed Equality Review milestones to College reporting cycle;

Consider and make recommendations to relevant College Committee on the findings of the review.

SERG Working Groups

Two working groups have been set up, one focusing on staff chaired by Megan Reeves and a student group chaired by Fraser Keir. The first meetings were held in February 2016 and explored how equality at Birkbeck could be strengthened and embedded, this work is ongoing.

To find out more about SERG please contact the Deputy Director of HR, Richard Wilson.